Benchmarking for Beef & Lamb Farmers
With rises in feed, fertiliser, and fuel costs, knowing your cost of production and how your farm enterprises compare with industry is now more important than ever. AHDB Beef and Lamb can help with their Farmbench project!
What is involved?
- An AHDB Regional Knowledge Exchange Manager will visit the farm, collect the information required for Farmbench, and upload it.
- Once the data is uploaded you will receive a detailed report which will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your business compared to similar operations in the country.
- This enables AHDB to provide cost of production reports which will help inform farmers and influence industry decisions.
For more information or to take part in the project, contact AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager, Meg Spendlove (meg.spendlove@ahdb.org.uk).
Division of farm accounts
In order to support the farming industry in its mission to show how antibiotics are used across sectors and how their use is reducing, we will be creating different worksheets within farm accounts for different enterprises. This will only impact those farms with multiple species (e.g farms with cattle and sheep). Farms will still only have one account and will still receive one invoice but work and medicines will be seen allocated under the different enterprises on the same invoice. The only change you will really notice is that when you are requesting drugs, we will ask which enterprise you would like them allocated to. We accept that there will be inaccuracies, as an open bottle will be used across the different enterprises, but this data will help us see how and where you use antibiotics. This will help us offer guidance on the challenges different enterprises face.
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
AHDB Medicine Hub
Reminder
Just a reminder for anyone wanting to use the AHDB Medicine Hub, if you’re happy for us to upload on your behalf you only need to click a link on an email and we can do the rest! Please let Els know if you want an email link setting up or would like to know more about the system. We would encourage as many farmers as possible to use Medicine Hub as this will help provide the data to show the improvements in antibiotic use in the beef and sheep industry.
Targeting Neonatal Lamb Treatments
In preparation for the start of the new lambing season, we are reminding our shepherds that neonatal lamb antibiotic treatments should be used responsibly. Products such as Spectam, or the alternatives Parofor and Bimamix, should never be given from the start of lambing as disease risk should be at its lowest. The majority of lambs born don’t require a dose of antibiotics but some currently receive one out of fear of disease, ease of treatment or habit – antibiotics are only required if clinical cases of watery mouth are experienced. Targeting treatment on the highest risk lambs is essential – more information about which lambs this includes will be on a guidance sheet with any antibiotics you do buy this season. Please get in touch with any questions you have in advance of the lambing season so we can put together a robust plan for your farm and help reduce the number of doses you use.
November 2022 Client Evening Highlights
Our November talk was a greatest hits compilation of many of the topics we deal with as vets on a regular basis but never really warrant a whole talk by themselves! The highlights for those who couldn’t attend are as follows!
- Bad Eyes: Most infectious eye conditions in cattle and sheep respond to antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Treatment is usually rapidly effective – successful treatment results in a comfier eye, reduced tear staining and a generally happier animal within 24-48 hours. The white lesion on the eye, however, may never fully disappear but as long as the other signs have improved no further treatment will be required.
- Breeding herds should be using a BVD vaccine! Having a clear check test and not protecting this status by vaccinating is a bit like leaving your front door unlocked and just hoping that nothing gets taken……
- Not every TB reactor is a false positive – the skin test is very specific, with a very low false positive rate. This means an average of one false positive result for every 5,000 uninfected cattle tested. Many reactors come back with no visible lesions because essentially cows are very big and TB lesions can be very small and hard to spot! No visible lesions does not mean no disease. If a TB breakdown would be a disaster for your herd, then please access all the help you can to mitigate the risks by having a FREE TBAS visit.
- Providing as much information about a case on the phone helps us as vets make some important decisions – never more so than with prolapses. Uterine prolapses are genuine emergencies, generally vaginal prolapses are less urgent but still need sorting before the tissue becomes too damaged. It’s therefore really important to let us know which type it is! Despite the horrific look, uterine prolapses are unlikely to recur in future whereas vaginal prolapses will.
If you are interested in future client events please request you are on our mailing list to receive the latest information.
Our Nursing team at Towcester suggest these New Year resolutions for small furry pets
As we enter the next year, we think about what our goals and challenges are going to be to help refocus ourselves. Many of us set goals of exercising more or trying something new. Our pets are also often a part of that focus for looking ahead and thinking of how we want to build our relationships with them as we go forward.
Our Towcester Vets nursing team have come up with some ideas for how to strengthen your bond with and enrich the lives of your rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other small furry pets in 2023.
Setting goals
Setting goals for our relationship with our pets can come in all sorts of different ways and our small furry friends are equally a part of that goal setting. Goals help to organise our thoughts and think of ways we want to improve.
Our Towcester nursing team recommend that using this opportunity at the beginning of a new year to help improve our pets’ lives is a great way to identify where we can make improvements and then implement them.
A few suggested goals may be:
- To change enrichment more regularly to help with mental stimulation
- To expose them to new activities or games
- To get into a routine for giving them regular health checks or grooming sessions
- To build or buy a new living area or expand on their current one
Goals don’t need to be expensive or take masses of time but just consider what little improvements we can make to help our small furry friends have a more enjoyable life.
Towcester Vets advice on keeping your outdoor cat inside over the winter
Winter is a time of fun and festivities; however, this season can be dangerous for outdoor cats. There are many hazards, from the freezing temperature to de-icer chemicals that can be fatal for your pet.
When the days and nights get colder and bleaker, the veterinary team at our Burcote Road practice recommend encouraging your cat inside more, so they are safe.
Health risk
When the weather takes a turn and drops below 7 degrees Celsius, this enters the danger zone for our household cats – especially shorthairs, elderly cats and young kittens. It is very easy for them to develop hypothermia or pneumonia, especially if they don’t have any shelter outside. Indoors, you can control the temperature and provide a blanket for them to keep warm, dry and safe.
It’s important to note though that forcing cats to stay indoors against their will can actually cause your cat to become stressed. So, unless there is a medical reason not to, you should allow your cat to go out if they want to.
Dangers outside
Often in the winter lots of antifreeze is used which seems harmless, however if your cat ingests it, there may be fatal consequences. Antifreeze is highly toxic for our feline friends, so be very aware of this in the mornings. In addition, cats often seek shelter in vehicle engines for warmth which can clearly be dangerous if they are left unfound. Road grit also poses a threat to their paw health as the pads can become irritated and inflamed.
For your own peace of mind
With all of the threats and hazards winter brings for our cats, it can be much safer for them to be kept indoors. This way, you won’t have to worry about them finding shelter and staying dry at night when the temperatures drop.
How do I go about implementing this change?
All of these reasons are well and good, but you still may have the problem of transitioning your outdoor cat from exploring all day to snuggling inside. So here are some tips from our veterinary team at Towcester Vets to help you encourage them that indoors is best.
- Feed your cat indoors and every time they’re fed, keep them inside for longer to encourage a gradual change
- Invest in scratching posts or cat trees to entertain them and urge them to stay inside, as they can still carry out natural activities such as scoping out what is going on from a high spot. This will also help prevent them from scratching the furniture.
- Add more enrichment to their everyday lives such as treat balls, food puzzle boxes or even a play session with you!
- Provide them with their own comfy space where they feel safe, warm and happy.
So, is it cruel to keep your outdoor cat indoors over the winter?
Not at all! As long as you are providing sufficient indoor enrichment, love and care, your cat will be relatively safe from the hostile dangers of winter. This doesn’t mean you have to always keep them inside. If the day is a bit warmer of course you can let them outside, but our Towcester Vets nursing team advises that you don’t keep them out for too long – especially not overnight!
Get the Towcester Vets list of new activities to do with your dog in 2023
New year brings new resolutions. One of those resolutions may be to try new things and get out more with your dog. In this article our Towcester Vets team have identified the top 10 things to do with your dog in 2023.
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10 things to do with your dog in 2023
- Trying UK Agility at your local club
- Visit a dog friendly beach
- Try UK Hoopers
- Enjoy a fun swim at a Hydrotherapy pool
- National Trust days out (check for those that are dog friendly)
- Try Scentwork classes
- Enter Battersea muddy dog run
- Take a walk in your local forests with Forestry Commission
- Teach your dog a new trick
- Try Paddleboarding at a dog friendly centre
There are many different activities and places to visit with your dog, some of them even completely free or with a small fee and are available all over the country such as National Trust or local forests.
Trying new challenges such as dog agility, paddle boarding or hoopers can really help stimulate your dog’s mind and body giving them new challenges from very energetic activities like agility through to the gentler activities such as hoopers or Scentwork training.
Just being in a new environment can have a huge impact not just physically but mentally also. Engaging their brain by introducing them to new activities and environments can have so many beneficial affects so why not make it a goal for 2023 to try new things.
Check your pet’s health
Before you do take on any new challenges however make sure your pet’s health is in good working order before pursuing an activity that may be difficult or put too much stress on them physically.
If you have an older pet or one who struggles with strenuous activity then there are still ways to adapt the activities to suit them, whether it’s finding shorter easier walks or activities such as hoopers that are designed for those that struggle with impactful exercise.
Common winter pet hazards
Winter can be the most wonderful time of year for people and pets; with the snow, playtime with the family, and best of all, snuggling up under a comfy blanket and watching a film. It is important to keep in mind though, the dangers that colder weather can bring for your pets.
Here is Towcester Vets guide to keeping your cats and dogs happy and away from danger over the winter months.
Winter hazards for pets and how to keep them safe
Winter pet hazards are pretty common, wherever you live. But what are the specific risks for your type of pet and them as individuals? Ask yourself, what is their lifestyle like? Indoor or outdoor cat? Does your dog shudder at the thought of getting rained on?
Despite pets having furry coats to keep them warm, it is our job as pet owners to provide the right care for when the temperature drops too low. So, here are Towcester Vets top tips for keeping your cat or dog safe and comfortable in the frosty season.
1. Shelter
Make sure your pet has a place of refuge indoors (and outdoors for cats) especially when temperatures drop to below freezing. Soft blankets to keep them warm are greatly appreciated – especially by our feline friends!
2. Wellness
Cold temperatures can exacerbate the symptoms of some health conditions, arthritis especially. If you are concerned about your pet this winter, arrange a wellness check up with one of our vets at our surgery.
3. Exercise
Being in the cold and wet for too long is not a good idea for your pet, but they still need to exercise. For dogs, reduce the length but increase the frequency of walks. If you have a cat flap, your cat can go out and exercise as much as they want and come back in when they’re too cold.
4. Dangerous areas
When walking your dog, avoid frozen lakes, ponds, and icy roads – especially in the dark. If you have a frozen pond, consider covering it in a tight mesh or finding another way to stop pets walking on it and falling in.
5. Body heat
Think about buying your dog a jumper and a coat, maybe even winter boots for going out in. This is especially wise if they are small, very old/young, or don’t have thick fur. Most pet shops and even some high street stores will stock these. Getting cold and wet on a walk can be miserable for dogs so dry your pet after they have been out, cats too. Left unattended indoors, pet jumpers could make them overheat, so blankets are a good idea instead. When it comes to beds, most cats like a bed by a radiator and anywhere else that is warm. Keep pet beds away from draughts and off cold floors.
6. Visibility
Winter always brings lower visibility whether that’s from the shorter daylight hours, grey skies, fog, or rain. This can be particularly dangerous on the roads. Attaching reflective items or lights to your pet’s collar or dog’s coat can really help reduce the likelihood of losing your pet and them getting into serious trouble.
7. Identification
Ensure their collar, tag, and microchip details are up to date, just in case your pet does get lost; you want to be able to find them quickly, especially in cold temperatures.
8. Winter poisons
Keep pets away from antifreeze as it is poisonous and potentially fatal. If you suspect they have licked antifreeze or similar toxic chemicals, contact your local Towcester vet practice immediately.
9. Paw problems
Winter pavements can be quite treacherous for pets. Ice, snow, and road grit can be irritants and often contain chemicals. Walking on them can make paws become cracked and potentially bloody. Make sure to clean your pet’s paws after being outside.
10. Sustenance
It’s important to keep your pet hydrated and fed appropriately during the winter months. They tend to drink less and eat more than usual, so bear this in mind and monitor their food and water intake. Cats especially love to have fresh water and some prefer this to be outdoors so keep their supply topped up. If your pet is gaining a lot of weight, book a weight check with one of our vet nurses for advice – contact us to book.
11. Boredom
With shorter walks and more time indoors, it’s a good idea to play with your cat or dog more at home – you could even try teaching them a new trick! Animals who are not mentally stimulated can become bored, anxious, and destructive. You could also try scatter feeding your pet so they have to work harder to get their food, burning calories as they go!
When is it too cold for my cat or dog to be outdoors?
Generally, 6 degrees Celsius is a no-no for pets being outdoors, but anything below freezing won’t be comfortable for them – animals can develop hypothermia and pneumonia too. Cats who like to roam outdoors, however, can get stressed if they are kept in. Instead, make evening mealtimes earlier to encourage them indoors at night.
How to tell if your pet is dangerously cold?
According to our vet team, the tell-tale signs usually include shivering, difficulty breathing, cold skin, weakness, loss of consciousness, rigidity, and pale skin. It is extremely important to know this as temperatures drop to ensure the safety of your furry friend.
If you suspect your pet is unwell, contact our team who are happy to offer advice and answer any questions in the first instance, remember the quicker you get them seen by a vet, the better.
We hope you found our advice helpful and are now ready to enjoy the winter months safely with your beloved pet.
Cat and dog owners, have you seen our Christmas list of pet poisons?
Christmas is a joyous time of year filled with fun and family gatherings, however, festive presents, decorations, and food can often prove to be dangerous for our inquisitive companions. Read our guide below to find out more about common Christmas dangers that our cats and dogs can encounter.
Unfortunately, lots of our loved products we indulge in over the Christmas period are poisonous for our cats and dogs. Our vet team have explained this a bit further – poisons are any chemical substance that causes harm when ingested by damaging cells, shutting down organs, and even causing death. Here is a list of the most common poisons for our pets over Christmas.
Download our essential oils and pets infographic
Towcester Vets Christmas danger list:
Human Food
One of the big Christmas killers of pets is inappropriate food. Popular treats can be toxic to pets, including:
- Chocolate
- Grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas and anything with them in I.e., mince pies and Christmas pudding or cake
- Alliums such as onions, garlic, and leeks
- Alcohol
Beware of foods such as gravy and leftovers which can contain these fatal ingredients. On top of this, fatty foods can cause gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting or diarrhoea, and foods high in sugar, salt, and spice can cause health problems too.
Christmas Plants
If you’re planning on having a kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas, make sure it’s out of your pet’s reach! Plants such as mistletoe and holly are poisonous when ingested and Christmas tree needles are very spiky so will be particularly dangerous when swallowed. Also, plants such as ivy and poinsettia are dangerous, and potpourri can clog up their throats when ingested, so keep them out of reach too.
Decorations
From baubles, ribbon, wrapping paper, and tinsel to tree lights, batteries for gifts, and fake snow; Christmas brings lots of new furnishings which may excite our furry friends. If any of these objects are ingested by your pet, we advise pet owners to call our Towcester vet practice straight away as materials can get lodged or cause burns or discomfort.
Household products and medication
It is always useful to know that cleaning products and any pills left lying around will most likely be toxic for pets. Antifreeze is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Be careful of anything lying around the house during the festive season. Call us immediately if your cat or dog has swallowed anything or has any substances on their fur or skin.
Essential oils
Whether you use these yourself via candles, diffusers, oil burners, or out of the bottle, or you have bought one as a present, be aware that many essential oils are poisonous to pets, especially cats. Google the oil before using it and keep it well out of your pet’s reach if necessary. Some oils can cause harm through inhalation or absorption through the skin too.
Learn more about essential oils and pets in our downloadable infographic.
Keep in mind that the list above is not exhaustive and only outlines the most common household dangers for cats and dogs. If your pet has ingested or come into close contact with any of the hazards above, or anything else you are concerned about, contact our vets immediately.
